Hi everyone,

I always use 100% cotton thread for piecing and quilting - but I had a project that needed another color and I only had 100%polyester mettler thread that came with my machine - how good does it work on cotton fabric for piecing? It seems so small and light - I wonder if it holds up well..

For piecing you can use any color of thread. The only time I even worry about what color the thread is is if I'm using white fabric and I don't want a darker thread to shadow thru. Otherwise I use medium neutrals, ecrus, grays and sage greens all work great.

It should be fine.

Many say only piece with cotton thread, but with all of the embroidery being added to quilts and other decorative elements using thread, I don't think it matters :wink:
These are all done using polyester, rayon, and other thread types :D:D:D

I use whatever I want to use. No quilt police!!!

they say that poly is stronger than cotton- so if you use poly to quilt, the fabric gives way before the thread does causing damage to your quilt in the long run.. So it depends if you would prefer to fix a seam or a tear..

Well that's what they say anyway..

I use what I have. Some think that the poly thread can "cut" the cotton fabric, but I've read that is no longer true. I use what I have and have never had a problem.

If you are doing hand stitching, you may develop a personal preference for a particular type of thread so use whatever works for you, but don't be talked in buying more thread if what you have works for you.

My Viking is not particular, but some folks have machines that like certain brands.

Good luck

I saw a web site or maybe a blog that showed actual damage from poly thread and poly batting in older quilts. I can't find it now of course.

Just remember that Polyester will melt at hotter temps so watch your iron settings. I wouldn't hand quilt with poly but handquilting thread is a heavier weight than most and usually already waxed so don't use it in a machine.

thousands of people sew, and quilt with polyester thread each and every day with great success...some people use only cotton, some people use only poly, some use rayon, some use cotton/poly blends, some use silk, some use wool. there is no right or wrong. use the thread that fits your needs and don't worry about it.

I've used the cotton covered poly thread for years, both for quilting and general sewing, home dec, etc. I have often put my iron as hot as it can get and have never experienced the thread melting. The only thread that I'm aware of that melts is the old monofilaments.

here's a great video by superior thread on this subject

http://www.superiorthreads.com/video...yester-thread/

fabric_fancy-thanks for that thread video-very interesting.

We had a "Threadologist" come to our guild last year and speak on this.

I hope my quilts wear out from love and use before I have to worry about them being old and damaged from thread.

the entire series on thread is excellent

here's a link to the main video page in case you'd like to watch some other videos

http://www.superiorthreads.com/videos/

ditto

What a great sight. I have just played all their videos over the last hour or so. I am so glad they have distributors in Australia. Thanks for this link.

I use the Mettler polyester mainly because we only have one fabric store in town and that's what she sells and what's convenient. I am considering placing an order for the Connecting Thread's thread essential because it is a great price.

Usually I only use Mettler cotton because that is what LQS has and I really like it - but the polyester came with the machine and I was worried that it wouldn't be as strong - but looks like I have nothing to worry about. Thanks everyone.

Poly is the only thing I use (except when I want to use variegated thread and can only find it in cotton). I have never had an issue. I don't like all the lint from cotton, and the Mennonite lady's at my Bernina dealer recommended Mettler or Gutermann polyester for piecing and quilting.

I like the cotton, cotton poly thread it seems to hold up better. I don't care for the poly thread as it seems to undo its self after knotting.

You got to listen to those Mennonite ladies. I make it a policy never to cross my MIL (at least intentionally). :-)

I don't think it makes a lot of difference what thread you use. I have friends who are thread snobs, but I use whatever I have on hand.

Yup! I am not a thread snob!

:thumbup:

Most of us think about quilts lasting only about 20 years or so, but it's wonderful to have quilts that have lasted 60+ years. There are a lot of ingredients that go into having a quilt that really holds up well, not just thread.

Too true. I have a couple of my husband's great-grandmother's quilts (think Mennonite great-grandma here, they are NICE quilts). Unfortunately a few of the blocks one one of them are starting to fall apart. When I started really looking, it was the same fabric she used in different spots all over the quilt. This leads to a couple assumptions: either she used an old worn out fabric (but none of the other would be even close to that category) or the dye used on the fabric might be the actual culprit. We forget that dyes, soaps, light, temperatures, no matter what the source, can 140 years from now, actually cause fibers to decay. So sad. By the way, the sewing thread is hold up well and so is all that hand piecing and quilting.

I think it is still not a good idea to use poly thiread on a cotton quilt. It damages the cotton and why take the risk when you put so much time and love into your quilt?

According to the expert on the video you can find on the Superior Threads website, poly doesn't cut the fabric.

Thanks for the link it was very informative

I know this is an old thread, but I needed the answer to the question and found it. Just wanted to thank fabric_fancy for posting that great video. I love Dr. Bob.

I just watched the video from Superior Threads- loved it.
Thread freedom for all !!